The Belmont Stakes, a historic jewel in the Triple Crown of horse racing, is known for its rich tradition and long-standing home at Belmont Park. Since 1905, with a brief interlude at Aqueduct, Belmont Park has been synonymous with this prestigious event. However, for the upcoming years, fans and racing enthusiasts are asking, “Where Is The Belmont Stakes?” The answer for 2024 and 2025 is a change of scenery, as the race will temporarily relocate to Saratoga Race Course.
This shift marks a significant moment in the Belmont Stakes’ history. For decades, Belmont Park has been the celebrated stage for this final leg of the Triple Crown. But in June 2024, the thunder of hooves will echo through Saratoga Springs, as the world’s finest horses compete at Saratoga Race Course.
Why Belmont Park is Undergoing Renovations
The relocation of the Belmont Stakes is driven by essential renovations at Belmont Park. This extensive project includes a complete overhaul of the grandstand and all three of its racecourses. These upgrades are vital to modernize the facilities and ensure the park remains a premier destination for horse racing in the future.
These significant renovations necessitate a temporary change of venue for the Belmont Stakes. The scale of the project means Belmont Park will be unavailable to host the race for at least two years, prompting the move to Saratoga Race Course for the 2024 and 2025 editions.
Saratoga Race Course: The Belmont Stakes’ Temporary Home
Saratoga Race Course, steeped in its own rich history, will proudly host the Belmont Stakes in these interim years. Located in Saratoga Springs, New York, this historic track offers a unique and fitting backdrop for this prestigious race.
Saratoga Springs is situated approximately 40 miles north of Albany, making it easily accessible for spectators. The racecourse itself is a celebrated landmark, renowned for its historical significance and vibrant atmosphere.
A Glimpse into Saratoga Race Course’s History
Established in 1863, Saratoga Race Course boasts a history even older than Belmont Park. Just a year after its opening, the track inaugurated the Travers Stakes, Saratoga’s signature summer race. The Travers, often called the “Midsummer Derby,” is a highly anticipated event, ranking third in prestige for three-year-old thoroughbreds in the United States, only behind the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes itself. In 2024, the Travers Stakes is scheduled for Saturday, August 24th, with a substantial purse of $1.25 million.
Saratoga Race Course carries the evocative nickname “The Graveyard of Champions,” a testament to its reputation for unexpected outcomes and thrilling upsets. Throughout history, Saratoga has witnessed legendary upsets, including Man o’ War’s sole career defeat in 1919, Onion’s stunning victory over Secretariat in 1973, and Keen Ice’s triumph over American Pharoah in 2015. This reputation adds an extra layer of intrigue to the Belmont Stakes being held at this storied venue.
Differences to Expect at Saratoga
While Saratoga Race Course offers a compelling alternative venue, there will be some notable differences for the Belmont Stakes. One key change is the race distance. Saratoga features a one-mile main track, shorter than Belmont Park’s 1.5-mile oval. Consequently, the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga will be run at 1.25 miles, the same distance as the Kentucky Derby and the Travers Stakes, making it shorter than its traditional distance.
Another difference is the spectator capacity. Saratoga Race Course can accommodate around 50,000 fans, significantly less than Belmont Park’s 90,000 capacity. This may affect ticket availability and the overall atmosphere of the event.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for the Belmont Stakes
The temporary relocation of the Belmont Stakes to Saratoga Race Course marks a unique chapter in the race’s long history. While Belmont Park undergoes vital renovations, Saratoga Springs will become the answer to “where is the Belmont Stakes?” for the next two years. This change offers an exciting opportunity to experience the Belmont Stakes in a new, yet equally historic, setting. Saratoga Race Course, with its storied past and reputation for drama, promises to be a compelling host for this prestigious leg of the Triple Crown.
